Israeli forces have captured Beaufort Castle, a strategic mountain fortress in southern Lebanon, marking their deepest military incursion into the country in more than 25 years, the military announced Sunday. The operation around the castle near Nabatiyeh followed several days of airstrikes and heavy fighting between Israeli troops and Hezbollah militants, intensifying the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict that began in early March.
The conflict escalated after Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel shortly following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, Hezbollah’s main backer. Since then, Israel has launched a ground invasion, taking control of numerous Lebanese villages and towns near the border, while Hezbollah has responded with thousands of missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli forces in both southern Lebanon and northern Israel.
The advance occurred despite a nominal ceasefire that has been in place since April 17, and just days before Lebanon and Israel are scheduled to hold direct peace talks in Washington. Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, an ally of Hezbollah, affirmed the militant group's commitment to the ceasefire but questioned who would restrain Israel from continuing its operations. Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called for an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting to address what he described as Israel’s “unacceptable” military actions and deeper occupation of Lebanese territory.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the military’s position, noting that the Israeli flag was raised over the castle—a site Israel previously controlled between 1982 and 2000. Katz described the capture as a significant development, stating Israel would hold the position while continuing efforts to demolish homes and infrastructure allegedly used by Hezbollah militants across southern Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterized the operation as a “dramatic shift” in policy, citing similar military occupations in bordering regions such as Syria and Gaza.
Beaufort Castle, known in Arabic as Al-Shaqif, is a historic site perched above Lebanon’s rolling hills near the Litani River. Built in the 12th century by Crusaders, it has served various rulers over centuries, including Saladin’s forces, the Mamluks, Ottomans, the French mandate authorities, and the Palestine Liberation Organization. Its capture in 1982 was a landmark victory for Israel during its earlier occupation of southern Lebanon. The fortress’s symbolic status resonates in the region, reflecting both military triumph and the high human toll of prolonged conflict.
In recent days, Israeli troops have pushed beyond the Litani River—a historical boundary line—into southern Lebanon, ordering residents to evacuate areas including villages near Beaufort and the coastal city of Tyre. The area between the Litani and Zahrani rivers has been declared a combat zone by Israeli authorities. While many civilians have fled, significant populations remain amid ongoing fighting.
The incursion has raised concerns internationally. Beyond France’s call for a U.N. response, Qatar condemned the advance as a “dangerous escalation,” and Germany expressed serious concern over the development. The advancement complicates efforts to sustain ceasefires, including agreements related to the broader conflict involving Iran and its regional proxies.
No immediate comments were available from Hezbollah or the Lebanese government regarding the latest Israeli military movements. As Israel continues to consolidate its presence near Beaufort Castle and other parts of southern Lebanon, uncertainties persist over the conflict’s trajectory and the prospects for renewed dialogue and peace.